Consider the death of the prefect's son in Chapter 51. Song Jiang and the others repeatedly insist that no innocent people be harmed or killed in their raids and pillages. Why then, do they command Li Kui to poison this small child?

Since it has been proven so many times that Li Kui has a brash attitude and cannot control his anger, why does he continue to be sent on missions? Why do the people around him not learn that he is best left at home?

Why do you think that Song Jiang tries so often to give up his leadership of the Liangshan Marsh bandits? Do you believe he was a good leader? Why or why not?

Search Chinese history to see if any parts of this novel are based on true events. Write an essay detailing which parts of the book might be...